“According to legend, Leonard Cohen asked Bob Dylan how long it took to write “I and I.” “15 minutes,” Dylan answered. And how long did it take Cohen to write “Hallelujah”? The answer can be found in this glorious biography, which situates the song at the center of one of rock ‘n roll’s most idiosyncratic careers. A poet with a raspy, growly Old Testament voice, Cohen worked and reworked “Hallelujah” lyrics, even altering them to meet the changing times. The song, which explores broken dreams, sexual bliss and spiritual doubts, was an unknown deep track before taking on a life of its own: the weirdest Hollywood anthem ever (thanks to Shrek, it hit the Billboard charts 24 years after it was first recorded) and a favorite at talent shows worldwide. Directors Dayna Goldfine and Dan Geller joyfully steer us through Cohen’s winding journey, with music, testimonials and, best of all, words from the soft-spoken bard himself. –Jason Silverman, Telluride Film Festival
